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ISRAELI MUSIC NEWS CENTER

New releases...the latest gossip...information about your favorite Israeli artists...it's all here in the Israeli Music News Center! It's your #1 source of Israeli music information, so be sure to visit often for the news YOU want to know!

Heard any interesting Israeli music news lately? Send it to theisraelhour@sabra.net

HEADLINES:

Rami and Rita: The Joint ConcertRita and Rami

They're two of Israel's biggest musical stars. They're also married to each other. Why didn't this happen sooner?
Throughout the summer of 2001, Rita and her husband Rami Kleinstein toured throughout Israel in their first ever joint concert tour. The concerts have been hugely successful, and a live album is now available for sale.
For further information, visit the following links:

The Glitter of Tammuz 2000

From Israeli Culture, December 11, 2000

Master of ceremonies Gidi Gov remembers well the very first Tammuz Israeli Music Awards ceremony . . .

A male dominated Tammuz awards

From The Jerusalem Post, December 6, 2000

Tonight sees the unveiling of the "traditional" all-glittering Israeli music industry awards ceremony at Tel Aviv's Cinerama auditorium . . .

"Our piano man"

From The Jerusalem Post, June 29, 2000

Rami Kleinstein tells [The Jerusalem Post's] Viva Sarah Press how an eight-year-old American immigrant blossomed into Israeli rock royalty . . .

"SABRA SOUNDS: Kleinstein and Ravitz say it again"

From The Jerusalem Post, May 28, 2000

After the success of his last album Kol Masherotzit (Everything You Want), which went platinum after only ten days, it seems as if once again singer/songwriter Rami Kleinstein has found the perfect recipe for an instant hit . . .

"Noa's (happy) blue period"

From The Jerusalem Post, April 2, 2000

Ahinoam Nini last week embarked on the biggest international tour ever performed by an Israeli.  [The Jerusalem Post's] Viva Sarah Press caught up with her before she left . . .

"Matti Caspi charged with bigamy"

From The Jerusalem Post, March 8, 2000

Singer Matti Caspi was charged with bigamy yesterday in Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court . . .

Ofra Haza Hospitalized

Internationally known Israeli singer Ofra Haza is in serious condition in an Israeli hospital due to complications from the flu.  Find out the latest about her condition in our special report, and visit Ofra Haza's official web site (which has not been updated with any news) to send her your get well wishes! 

Who Will Represent Israel in Eurovision 2000?

Israeli music fans were shocked to learn who would be representing Israel in Eurovision 2000, scheduled to take place in Stockholm, Sweeden.  Who are they?  Where did they come from?  And why might they be disqualified already?  Click on the link above to find out!

 

"Achinoam Nini's World Tour"

From Israeli Culture, January 3, 2000

The singer, known internationally as Noa, will launch the grandest tour of any Israeli artist ever this coming March . . .

"The Problems of Matti"

From "This Week at Israeli Culture" Newsletter, December 28, 1999

A few months ago this newsletter reported that singer Matti Caspi was leaving Israel and returning to the United States. Not only did Caspi not leave Israel in the end, it appears that he is unable to do so. Last week the singer declared himself bankrupt, unable to pay back more than a million shekels worth of debts. Caspi, once considered Israel's leading songwriter, has found himself incapable to perform or compose while under these ongoing financial burdens.

"The New Sound of Zehava"

From "This Week at Israeli Culture" Newsletter, December 28, 1999

Singer Zehava Ben's new song, "L'Histaga'a" (To Go Crazy), is an upbeat love song, full of optimism and rhythm. The song is the first of Zehava's latest album, due to be released next month. Usually a singer of melancholic ballads, this release marks a significant switch in Zehava's music. Changes in her personal life gave Zehava a new outlook. The singer gave birth to a son about a year ago, and also recently left her manager of many years. Zehava plans to begin rehearsing for a return to live performances.

1999 Tamuz Israeli Music Industry Awards

From Israeli Culture, December 20, 1999

Singer Barry Saharof was the big winner at this year's Tamuz awards, given by the Israeli music industry . . .

"Will Dana Appear On Romanian Television?"

From Israeli Culture, November 29, 1999

Dana International was due to appear on a special  Romanian television broadcast, devoted to Israel. The broadcast was scheduled for the end of November, but Dana's participation was cancelled at the last moment . . .

"Dana's European Misadventure"

From Israeli Culture, October 18, 1999

Dana International's victory in the Eurovision contest gave the music world a fresh and exciting singer . . .

"Rita's Amazing Window"

From Israeli Culture, September 6, 1999

It's been a long five years, waiting for Rita's newest album. But the wait was well worth it; Rita's Tiftach Halon ("Open the Window"), is an amazing tour de force, true proof that Rita is Israel's leading singer today . . .

Eurovision 1999 Nears

From Israeli Culture, April 27, 1999

Jerusalem will host this year's Eurovision Song Contest on May 29th . . .

(Note: Check out this article to find out how you can listen to all of the songs competing in the Eurovision!)

SABRA SOUNDS: Gefen makes beautiful melody

From The Jerusalem Post, April 26, 1999

(April 26) - Aviv Gefen has spent much of the last decade attempting to fill a void in local music. In the absence of   larger-than-life rock 'n' roll heroes, the flamboyant and controversial Gefen has tried to cast himself as Israeli rock's Lennon, its Bowie, its Morrissey . . .

Kaveret's USA Tour

Couldn't make it to Israel for Kaveret's reunion concert last year?  Don't worry!  If you live near New York, Miami, or Los Angeles, Kaveret is coming to a theater near you!  Here is all the information you need, courtesy of Kaveret's Unofficial Home Page as well as Kaveret member Meir Fenigstein of the Israfest Foundation.

For tickets or further information, call (212) 532-2075 (New York) or (323) 966-4166 (Los Angeles), visit Kaveret's official tour web site, or e-mail israfest@earthlink.net.
Ticket prices: $40, $55, $75, $100

Zehava Ben and the Peace Song

From Israeli Culture, March 15, 1999

Zehava Ben was to perform Shir Hashalom (The Song of Peace), at a ceremony last week marking twenty years of the signing of the Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty. Israel's Foreign Ministry instructed the popular singer to refrain from singing that particular song, saying that it was inappropriate . . .

"Sniffing out the copycats"

From The Jerusalem Post, February 22, 1999

(February 22) - Taking action against the pirates who are costing the local music industry almost half its local revenue isn't just about economics - it's about saving a whole slice of Israeli culture . . .

"Happy Birthday"

From Ha'aretz, February 19, 1999

A group called Eden - with Americans leading the way - is to represent Israel in Eurovision . . .

Eurovision Update

As Israeli Music Online reported last week (January 19), the band "Eden" will represent Israel in this year's Eurovision Song Contest.  What?  You mean you've never heard of Eden?  Well, you're not alone.  Find out all about Eden, their Eurovision entry "Yom Huledet," and what they sound like at the following sites:

Eurovision Hopefuls - Meet Eden - From Israeli Culture, January 25, 1999

Kdam Eurovision: Israel's Entry 1999 - From the Unofficial Kdam Eurovision site...Find out about the band, and listen to their first single: "Meuhav!"

Eurovision '99

Preparations are now underway for the 1999 Eurovision Song Contest, scheduled to take place in Jerusalem on May 29, 1999.  On Sunday, January 17th, Israel selected its entry into this years contest.  What is it?  Find out the surprising answer in this article from the IsraelWire News Service (1/19/99):

"'Eden' Band Will Represent Israel in Eurovision Song Contest"

Then, read all about Israel's big Eurovision victory last year in Israeli Music Online's special report on Eurovision '98.  Plus, keep us with the latest Israeli Eurovision news at the unofficial Kdam Eurovision site, and stay tuned to Israeli Music Online's News Center for Eurovision news as it happens!

What do YOU think about Israel's selection for Eurovision '99?  Talk about it on our discussion board!

"Hi Five Is No Longer Five"

From Israeli Culture, January 11, 1999

Will the popular Israeli quintet have to change its name? Michael Harpaz, age 26, is returning to his native Detroit, Michigan, leaving the other four members of Hi Five (also spelled HFive), to fend for themselves . . .

"Secrets of a super producer"

From Ha'aretz Magazine, January 1, 1999

Mounted on the wall of theatrical agent Haim Slutzky's office is a huge photograph. It features Defense Minister Yitzhak Mordechai and singer Yehoram Gaon, holding a microphone and smiling . . .

"The making of Israeli rock"

From The Jerusalem Post, November 11, 1998

(November 11) - No one has done more for rock in this country than radio presenter, and sometime percussionist, Yoav Kutner. And no one is better qualified to mastermind a series about the history of the musical genre in this country . . .

"Sabra Sounds: Why people agree on Zehava"

From The Jerusalem Post, November 2, 1998

(November 2) - In the complex tangle of Sephardi-Ashkenazi relationships, Zehava Ben comes off as something of a unique figure . . .

"Arik Einstein and Shalom Hanoch Together Again"

From Israeli Culture, October 5, 1998

Now being prepared is a major event on the Israeli music scene - Arik Einstein and Shalom Hanoch are working together on a new album. The two singers/composers have reunited after 19 years of separation, and the results of their joint efforts should be released next spring . . .

Kaveret's New Album

After their long-awaited concert reunion in Israel this past May, Kaveret (Poogy) is back with a new album recorded live at the concert.  Visit Kaveret's Unofficial Home Page for lots of info about the new album, Kaveret BaPark (Kaveret in the Park).  Then, buy the new album online!

"Bus Station Blues"

From The Jerusalem Post, August 31, 1998

(August 31) - Mizrahi music has come a long way since the 1960s, as a new Channel 2 series shows . . .

"David Broza's Hands"

From Israeli Culture, August 24, 1998

Popular Israeli singer David Broza is lucky to be alive. Two weeks ago he was in a serious car accident. Now he has been released from the hospital and has begun the road to recovery. When will David be able to play the guitar again? . . .

"Shlomo Artzi completes tour"

From Israeli Culture, July 6, 1998

Shlomo Artzi's show, "Two" has been playing before excited crowds for two years now. At the end of the summer Shlomo will end the "Two" tour.

Shlomo will appear in the Arad Festival in July, and also has two concert dates scheduled in Caesaria this summer. Maybe Shlomo will be convinced to perform in the Briza Festival in Ashkelon in September as well.

Shlomo's fans should take heart. The singer is hard at work on a new studio album, due to be released in February, 1999. According to Shlomo, it will be more realistic to expect the new release next spring. We'll be waiting.

"Rikki Gal to the Theater"

From Israeli Culture, July 6, 1998

Rikki Gal, an Israeli singer currently working on a new album, has announced plans to return to the theater. Rikki will be starring in "The Phoenician Women", Euripedes's classical Greek drama, to be produced by the Beersheva Municipal Theater company.

Rikki was last seen on the stage in the Israeli version of "Evita". Her first role in the theater was in a Haifa Municipal Theater production of "Ghetto" at the start of the 1980's.

In the upcoming production, Rikki will take on the traditional role of the chorus. The play has already begun rehearsals.

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